Lot details
Registration No: 312 YUX
Chassis No: ALB24
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- 1 of just 24 LWB examples produced, gloss Black with Burgundy hide and glass division

- Originally supplied to John H Loudon, then Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell

- Restored by its previous owner and showing c.68,730 credible but unwarranted miles

- Beautiful woodwork, complete with tool kit and radio to rear compartment

This handsome right-hand drive S1 complete with glass division with coachwork by Park Ward is one of only 24 long wheelbase versions of the Standard Steel Saloon produced, and therefore a very rare model. It is presented with gloss Black coachwork complemented by a Burgundy hide interior and White walled tyres. Originally finished in Smoke Green with Green hide, specified with power assisted steering, ALB 24 was supplied via Jack Barclay being first registered to Shell Petroleum Co. Ltd for the use of its then-Chairman, J.H. Loudon Esq. Indeed, a 1960 article in Time magazine on file refers to him walking the first mile to their London office from his Grosvenor Square apartment before a 'trailing Bentley' carried him the rest of the way! Between 1978 and 2008 it is understood to have formed part of the collection of a Dutch enthusiast, while more recently it was restored by the previous owner for the use of his wife.

The wood trim has been beautifully refinished and, presenting well, the car is said to be 'on the button'. '312 YUX' is accompanied by a good history file including the aforementioned article from Time magazine, a sales brochure and Service Data book, copy chassis cards, invoices relating to the restoration and recent works in the current ownership together with a Swansea V5C document. This rare Bentley's odometer currently displays a credible, although unwarranted, c.68,730 miles.

The S1 was unveiled in April 1955, longer and wider than its predecessors, a stiffer chassis of 16-gauge closed box-section design, complete with cruciform centre bracing being employed. Powered by the final iteration of the company's venerable 4.9-litre straight-six engine - it featured revised cylinder-head porting and produced 178bhp. S1s were offered with a choice of wheelbase - 10ft 3in or 10ft 7in. Prices ranged from c.£4,669 to £6,894 depending on specification.